Giannis vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Giannis

Boy #1,479 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"God is gracious"

Origin: Hebrew (via Greek Ioannis)

Cultural Roots

Greek Italian Cypriot Mediterranean

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,479
Total SSA Count
122
Syllables
2
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Gian, Yanni

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Giannis →

James

Boy #5 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"supplanter, one who follows at the heel"

Origin: Hebrew

Cultural Roots

English Scottish Biblical

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#5
Total SSA Count
11,793
Syllables
1
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Jim, Jimmy, Jamie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for James →

Popularity Comparison

Giannis Rank #1,479
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #1479 for Giannis.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Giannis ___

  • Giannis Alexandros
  • Giannis Konstantinos
  • Giannis Nikos
  • Giannis Petros
  • Giannis Michael
  • Giannis Dimitri

James ___

  • James Alexander
  • James William
  • James Thomas
  • James Edward
  • James Henry
  • James Patrick

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Giannis

Theo Nikos Katerina Eleni Kostas

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Giannis or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Giannis at #1479 in the United States.

What do Giannis and James mean?

Giannis means "God is gracious" (Hebrew (via Greek Ioannis) origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Giannis and James boy or girl names?

Giannis is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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